India, Maldives Sign 13 MoUs for Ferry Projects

23 May 2025 CW Team

India has signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives under a grant of MVR 100 million (approximately Rs 552.8 million) to enhance ferry services and strengthen maritime connectivity in the island nation.

The agreements, signed on 18 May 2025 at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mark the launch of Phase III of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) — a flagship initiative of India’s grant assistance programme aimed at uplifting community infrastructure and livelihoods.

The MoUs were formalised by Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian, and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, who signed on behalf of the implementing agency.

The new projects will support the development of a nationwide high-speed ferry network that already connects 81 islands across nine atolls. Minister Ameen stated that the completion timeline, initially set for 2027, is now expected to be advanced to the end of this year.

Mr Khaleel highlighted that India's assistance has consistently aligned with the needs of the Maldivian people, and these new projects go beyond physical infrastructure. “They are lifelines for communities, solving local challenges, and driving socio-economic growth,” he said.

The Indian High Commission in the Maldives also noted that these projects will reinforce regional connectivity, which is vital to daily life in the archipelago.

The announcement of Phase III of the HICDP was made during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024. The latest agreements reflect the deepening ties between the two nations and India’s continued commitment to supporting development in the Maldives.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..